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Mindful invitation signs at Tabor Park

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•August 13, 2025•

Submitted by Cheri Burcham

U of I Illinois Extension Educator

There is increasing evidence that being in and around nature can benefit humans physically and mentally. There is also more research showing how mindfulness techniques can be beneficial to a person’s well-being.

A group of Illinois Extension staff, consisting of horticulture and family life educators and Master Gardeners, and Naturalists EPCs, formed an interdisciplinary workgroup called “Wellness in Nature.” This workgroup has been developing materials and a curriculum that focuses on how green spaces, gardens, and nature benefit your overall well-being.

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BASO ‘Car Show’ in Bethany

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•August 13, 2025•

On Saturday, August 23rd, the 2025 BASO car show will be held in Bethany at Crowder Park from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with trophies presented at 6:30 p.m. The entry fee is $15.00, and all makes/models are welcome. There will be a 50/50 raffle, concessions, and dash plaques to the first fifty entries. This will be a participant-judged event, selecting the top 10 and an award for Best in Show. No alcohol or burnouts are allowed at this event. For more information, contact Terry Muzzy at (217) 412-0185. See classicpony.net for additional car shows.

Bethany senior potluck

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•August 13, 2025•

The Bethany Senior Citizen Potluck will be held on Wednesday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany library, located at 216 W Main Street. Hamburgers and hot dogs provided. All are wel-come.

Fundraising cookout

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•August 13, 2025•

On August 16th from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Kirby Foods in Sullivan will be hosting the Kyle Lehman Honorary Scholarship cookout to raise funds for the 2026 scholarship. Established in 2023, the Kyle Lehman family, since its inception, has awarded scholarships to eight deserving students, seniors who are graduating and work at Kirby Foods, honoring Kyle Lehman’s contribution to the Sullivan community. Foods served will be ribeye sandwiches and tenderized pork chops.

“Christmas for the Kids” Auction

News Progress Posted on by


•August 13, 2025•

The 31st Annual Sparrow’s “Christmas for the Kids” Auction will be held on August 23rd at 120 E State Street, Lovington (tent outside) with the silent auction beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the live auction beginning at 4:00 p.m. Live music featuring Cash Hale, 50/50, mini duck derby, and pork chops on a stick, provided by Sons of the American Legion, can all be enjoyed at the event.

For those unfamiliar with Sparrows Unlimited, Inc., it began over thirty years ago when a group of people got together at Jerry’s East End in Lovington to hold a live auction and just have a good time. A good time was had, and Sparrows Unlimited Inc. was born. Originally, Sparrow’s Unlimited Inc., a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, was to benefit families in need at Christmas in Lovington. While that is still the primary focus, Sparrow’s Unlimited has evolved into a vital tool within the Lovington community. 

Along with providing Christmas to families in need and delivering fruit baskets to the elderly for Thanksgiving, Sparrow’s acts as a resource and support system for many organizations.

If you wish to donate items for auction or have any questions, contact Pam at (217) 201-0062, Jessica at (217) 620-7579, or Barry Morgan at (217) 433-6123, or follow Sparrows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SparrowsUnlimited.For more information or make a monetary donation, visit the website at https://www.sparrows-unlimited.com.

Windsor Harvest Picnic: schedule of events

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•August 6, 2025•

Windsor will be holding its 128th annual Harvest Picnic on August 14th, 15th, and 16th. The inflatables will be provided by 25/8 Extreme, and Bessie Bingo will be sponsored by Windsor FFA. The schedule of events is as follows:

Thursday, August 14th: 5:00 p.m.-pulled pork and Italian beef dinner; 5:00 p.m., Methodist church ice cream social; 6:00 p.m., Little Miss harvest picnic; 6:15 p.m., patriotic opening by the Windsor American Legion; and 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Brad Brown.

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Findlay Fire hosts St. Jude runners 

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Photo by Sonya Best


•August 6, 2025•

On Friday, August 1st, the Mattoon to Peoria group for the run for St Jude’s runners came through Findlay, stopping for an hour at the Findlay Fire Station for lunch to a welcoming crowd of supporters, many who support St Jude and have friends and family members who benefited from treatment at the facility. This year saw 80 runners, with 20 first-timers. As of 7:00 a.m. on Friday, they had raised $129,000.00. The Findlay Fire and Ambulance Association donated $500.00.

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Remembering who we are……….70

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Green Hand Bridge (continued)


•August 6, 2025•

by Janet Roney

Now for the real story behind the Green Hand Bridge. The one I told you last week was just for starters. This came to me on good authority from my friend Steve, whose grandfather, a long-time resident of East Nelson Township, told him all about it. 

Once upon a time, a long time ago, a married couple who lived in Allenville did not get along well. The neighbors soon noticed they were having trouble because their fights were frequent and noisy. (This was before air conditioning, and windows were open at night to get some breezes.  Neighbors could hear almost everything that went on in your house.)  Finally, after a very bad fight, the men of Allenville decided to do something about the abusive husband.  They gathered together as a group and approached the house. They intended to teach the young man a lesson. 

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